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Safest way to prevent pregnancy on tamoxifen?

Page last modified on: September 23, 2008
Question from Website Question: For someone with breast cancer and taking tamoxifen, what do you think is the safest and most effective way to prevent pregnancy?
Answers —Kutluk Oktay, M.D.: Tamoxifen can increase the risk of blood clots, and obviously breast cancer patients don't want to use hormonal contraceptives. So that's one thing you'd want to avoid while you're taking tamoxifen. That doesn't leave us with many choices except the barrier method, specifically condoms, diaphragms, and spermicides. IUDs (intra-uterine devices) can also be used, although they're not very popular in the United States.
Marisa Weiss, M.D., president and founder: For some women who may be experiencing some vaginal dryness, it may be uncomfortable for you if your partner uses a condom. You can get around this sometimes by just using lubricant. Many women learn how to use the diaphragm with contraceptive jelly. Initially it's awkward, but you can get the hang of it. Many women will also rinse out the vagina afterwards with a little water and handheld douche to keep the contraceptive jelly from leaking out after the diaphragm has been removed (five to six hours after intercourse is finished).

On Wednesday, August 18, 2004, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Pregnancy and Fertility Issues. Kutluk Oktay, M.D., Leslie Schover, Ph.D., and moderator Marisa Weiss, M.D. answered your questions about pregnancy and fertility before, during, and after breast cancer treatment, as well as the options of adoption and gestational carriers (surrogate mothers).

The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.

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Meet the Experts

Kutluk Oktay, M.D.Kutluk Oktay, M.D. is a professor of Obstetrics & Gynecology and the director of the Division of Reproductive Medicine & Infertility at New York Medical College.

Leslie R. Schover, Ph.D.Leslie R. Schover, Ph.D. is a renowned psychologist with a special interest in helping people resolve or manage their sexual problems, especially those problems connected with a chronic illness such as cancer.

Marisa Weiss, M.D. is a radiation oncologist specializing in breast cancer and the founder, president, and guiding force behind Breastcancer.org.

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